TUVALU: A RISING NATION
Funafuti, TUVALU
Directer: Michael Kirby Smith
Exec. Producer: Jung Kim
Producers: Jung Kim & Michael Kirby Smith

Capturing stills, videos and VR of the people of Tuvalu, their culture and heritage, as they face the existential threat of climate crisis and complete submersion of their island state. Tuvalu is expected to become totally uninhabitable by 2040. The visuals created during this project in collaboration with the people and government of Tuvalu are now part of a permanent repository in support of their Rising Nations Initiative (RNI). The project will help preserve and give the current and future generations access to a one-of-a-kind source of information and historical visual and multimedia records of the rich culture and heritage of Tuvalu. The presentation video below screened at high-level events such as the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) and during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78).

AIRBNB MAGAZINE
Chiang Mai, THAILAND
Photographer: Sophie Green
Producer: Jung Kim

Following the indigenous Karen Hill Tribe of Chiang Mai who inhabit the northern region of Thailand. With a population of over 400,000, they have a rich history and culture spanning centuries. They grow and harvest rice from their lands and forage for plants for eating and medicinal purposes, passing down these traditions from generation to generation.

AIRBNB MAGAZINE
Seville, SPAIN
Photographer: Sophie Green
Producer: Jung Kim

Exploring the culture of Virgin Mary worship in Seville, Spain, deeply rooted in everyday life and highlighted during Holy Week (Semana Santa). One of the biggest annual festivals in the region, people pilgrimage to view the many processions of the brotherhood (estación de penitencia) carrying about 100 floats including their most famous, The Virgin of Hope of Macarena (La Esperanza Macarena).

SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE
Kojima, Yakushima and Jigokudani, JAPAN
Photographer: Maciek Pożoga
Producer: Jung Kim

Following Japanese researchers and students studying the behaviors of Japanese Macaques in three particular regions of Japan. In Jigokudani the monkeys have learned to enjoy the hot springs along with the many tourists and visitors alike. On the uninhabited volcanic island of Kojima in the East Sea, the monkeys have learned to wash the dirt and sand off sweet potatoes on the shoreline before consuming them. Lastly, in the cedar forest on the island of Yakushima, the monkeys have learned to hitch a ride on a deer’s back.

AIRBNB MAGAZINE
Voss, Svalbard and Gudvangen, NORWAY
Photographer: Andreas Meichsner
Producer: Jung Kim

Documenting the Norwegian culture while traveling through different regions of Norway, from folk musicians of the Academy of Folk Music in Voss to the historical battle reenactments of Njardarheim in the Viking Village of Gudvangen.